WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Friends and classmates of former Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball player Ewan Linton have joined forces to establish an athletic scholarship in his name and are asking others in the community to join them.

Linton, a 6-foot, 8-inch forward from Kingston, Jamaica, who was with the Grizzly Basketball program from 2005-2007, tragically drowned in June 2011 while swimming with friends in the Russell Fork River at Breaks Interstate Park in Elkhorn City, Ky.

The scholarship was announced during the 2012 Grizzly Basketball homecoming game Jan. 21.

“Looking back on our years at Missouri State University-West Plains, some of our favorite memories center around Grizzly Basketball and the wonderful friendships formed during those years.  One of those friends was Ewan Linton,” former Grizzly Cheer Team members Fran Domingo and Amanda Holland said in a letter.  “Ewan always had a hand to lend, an ear to listen, a persona to light up a room, a smile that made you feel warm and welcome.  He was committed to bringing people together.

“To keep Ewan’s memory alive and to celebrate his life, a group of alumni are establishing the Ewan Linton Memorial Basketball Scholarship,” they continued.  “The scholarship will be awarded to a Grizzly Basketball player, with preference to an international student like Ewan.”

The scholarship fund is being established with a pledged gift of $500 per year for a minimum of five years.  The scholarship will be awarded to a student-athlete participating in the Grizzly Basketball program, with preference given to an international student, as funds are available.

“It is especially gratifying when classmates want to honor one of their own,” said Missouri State-West Plains Director of Development Elizabeth Grisham.  “I applaud these alumni for taking the initiative to remember Ewan in such a lasting way.”

Area residents, fellow classmates or other Missouri State-West Plains alumni who would like to give to the scholarship may do so by contacting the development office at 417-255-7240 or visit the development office’s website at http://wp.missouristate.edu/development/MakingAGift.htm.

“Ewan would truly be honored to know that a helping hand is being lent to another Grizzly Basketball player in his memory,” Domingo and Holland said.  “What a nice tribute to a good friend!”

For more information about ways to give to Missouri State-West Plains, visit http://wp.missouristate.edu/development/.